Caitlyn McKinzie Bennett
Associate Professor of Counseling
Dr. Bennett's clinical specialty focuses on attachment, anxiety, stress, family-of-origin trauma, and LGBTGEQIAP+ experiences for young adults, adults, and couples. She also integrates a holistic approach to counseling to help clients increase awareness and coping related to the intersection of physical and mental health. Dr. Bennett's research agenda focuses on utilizing evidence-based counseling practices (i.e., acceptance and commitment therapy). Her scholarship has also focused on neuro-informed counseling approaches (i.e., neurofeedback training) to mitigate experiences of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Education
B.S., M.A., & Ph.D., University of Central Florida
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialties: Attachment, anxiety, stress, family-of-origin trauma, sexuality, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Research
Holm, J. M., Prosek, E. A., McKinzie Bennett, C., & Sims, M. (2021). Understanding predictors and withdrawal symptoms of internet gaming disorder. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 42(2), 66-79. doi:10.1002/jaoc.12094
Ausloos, C. D., Bloom, Z., Goodrich, K. M., Hollenbaugh, K. M., Taylor, J., McKinzie Bennett, C., Blount, A., Gerlach, J., & Schroeder, K. (2021). Standards of care for research in group work. Counseling Outcome and Research Evaluation, 12(2), 79-90. doi.org/10.1080/21501378.2021.1962126
McKinzie Bennett, C., Lambie, G. W., Bai, H., & Hundley, G. (2020). A neurofeedback training intervention to address college students’ symptoms of anxiety and stress: A quasi-experimental design. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, (online access).
White, M. E., Cartwright, A. D., Reyes, A. G., Morris, H., Lindo, N. A., Singh, A. A., & McKinzie Bennett, C. (2020). A qualitative inquiry of black transgender men’s experiences. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 14(3), 248-267.
McKinzie Bennett, C., & Taylor, D. D. (2019). ACTing as yourself: Implementing acceptance and commitment therapy for transgender adolescents through a developmental lens. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 5(2), 146-160.
News & Features
November 04, 2025
Sanabria Publishes Book on Evolutionary Neuroscience in Counseling
Samuel Sanabria, professor of counseling in Rollins’ Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, has released a new book on applied neuroscience concentration and evolutionary neuroscience.
July 24, 2025
Williams and Ruiz Recognized for Leadership in Behavior Analysis
Michele Williams was recognized alongside Maria Ruiz, the first female psychology professor at Rollins, as one of the seminal female leaders in the field of behavior analysis.
March 13, 2025
New Center Provides Rollins ABACS Students With Unique Experience
Rollins’ new Behavior Services Center is providing master’s students in the College’s Applied Behavior Analysis & Clinical Science program with the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience with the support of the program’s expert faculty.